Butane Fuel Conversion

[drdolittlerwc]

I would have spent a little more and got the injection system instead of the mixer.

Actually, a lot of people here get the injection system and then later opt for the mixer. You don't really need the injection since by the time the gas is released through the 'carburetor' it's already vaporized, it just needs the oxy. Also, I was told that once you involve injectors and such, it changes how the system operates, and it limits your ability to switch back to gas. The computer begins reading the difference in the sensors and makes adjustments, so that once you switch back, fuel use is not adjusted properly and the engine will, of course, run very poorly.

This is what I've been told anyway by people who install them very regularly.

 

[nissanh]

More Carbons and hydrogens in a fuel means more power. That is why Diesel has more power than gasoline. So clearly more butane than propane is better.

I know few who are using gas systems in Asia. They say it works well and saves more money at the pump. Engine is running fine and the engine oil stays clear for a while. These are the 5 SFE engines.

Safety wise, it is little dangerous. You will store the tank inside the truck and if there is a tiny bit of a leak and next day when you crank the ignition (with any spark), you basically detonate the propane/butane gases.

Just make sure you get it installed the proper way. How hot it gets in the summer over there?

 

[drdolittlerwc]

More Carbons and hydrogens in a fuel means more power. That is why Diesel has more power than gasoline. So clearly more butane than propane is better.

I know few who are using gas systems in Asia. They say it works well and saves more money at the pump. Engine is running fine and the engine oil stays clear for a while. These are the 5 SFE engines.

Safety wise, it is little dangerous. You will store the tank inside the truck and if there is a tiny bit of a leak and next day when you crank the ignition (with any spark), you basically detonate the propane/butane gases.

Just make sure you get it installed the proper way. How hot it gets in the summer over there?

Oh yeah, it's smokin' here in the...right now! Thing is too, that you don't generally jump right in the car and instantly crank the engine. First thing first is open doors to clear hot air, and thankfully, propane/butane mix is VERY clearly discernible so if you get in and crank the engine without taking a wif, you surely deserve the heat! :brick:

 

[drdolittlerwc]

BTW! I saw a Hilux Surf yesterday that was right hand drive! Couldn't get a pick, but will probably see it again. SWEET!!

 

[drdolittlerwc]

Safety wise, it is little dangerous. You will store the tank inside the truck and if there is a tiny bit of a leak and next day when you crank the ignition (with any spark), you basically detonate the propane/butane gases.

Oh yeah, it starts on Petrol, then switches to Butane after it's running...

 

[Singtoe]

Actually, a lot of people here get the injection system and then later opt for the mixer. You don't really need the injection since by the time the gas is released through the 'carburetor' it's already vaporized, it just needs the oxy. Also, I was told that once you involve injectors and such, it changes how the system operates, and it limits your ability to switch back to gas. The computer begins reading the difference in the sensors and makes adjustments, so that once you switch back, fuel use is not adjusted properly and the engine will, of course, run very poorly.

This is what I've been told anyway by people who install them very regularly.

The injection system is far superior. You have precisely measured amount of gas injected in the engine by the OEM ECU. The ECU can adjust fuel ratio using O2 sensors and adjust ignition curve.

The mixer is essentially a carburetor that installed between the air cleaner and the throttle body . It uses the vacuum to meter out gas.

I think the person who sold the system that they had or wanted to push.

 

[Singtoe]

Originally Posted by nissanh View Post

Safety wise, it is little dangerous. You will store the tank inside the truck and if there is a tiny bit of a leak and next day when you crank the ignition (with any spark), you basically detonate the propane/butane gases.

Oh yeah, it starts on Petrol, then switches to Butane after it's running...

Not what he was referring to;

This was a very bad install. The gas lines and the valves need to be encased in tubing and vented to the outside.

Our LP here in the states has mercapins in it to make it smell like garlic if there was a leak while where your at, they might not and if a leak were to develop, you wouldn't know it until it exploded.

Notice how the valve and the lines are inside a tube and an access box. If a leak were to develop, instead filling the car up with vapor, it is routed outside.

 

[drdolittlerwc]

Our LP here in the states has mercapins in it to make it smell like garlic if there was a leak while where your at, they might not and if a leak were to develop, you wouldn't know it until it exploded.

Ok, thanks. In fact, I know exactly what propane smells like and can detect small amounts of it, if the car in fact did 'fill with gas' someone would have to be pretty stupid not to notice.

 

[Singtoe]

Ok, thanks. In fact, I know exactly what propane smells like and can detect small amounts of it, if the car in fact did 'fill with gas' someone would have to be pretty stupid not to notice.

But do they add a something to make the gas smell down there?

 

[drdolittlerwc]

But do they add a something to make the gas smell down there?

Yeah, it's definitely strong. Lot of people been running these systems for many years and haven't heard of any explosions. Least not yet...

 

[tmaxx13]

Anyways.... What type of mileage are you getting now? I thought about doing this on my diesel but only driving it 7k a year would take to long to pay off. Now doing on my 4runner and getting some extra power wouldn't be to bad. Unfortunately CNG tanks here in the US run minimum of $1000us unless your getting one that expires tomorrow :wink2:

 

[drdolittlerwc]

Anyways... What type of mileage are you getting now? I thought about doing this on my diesel but only driving it 7k a year would take to long to pay off. Now doing on my 4runner and getting some extra power wouldn't be to bad. Unfortunately CNG tanks here in the US run minimum of $1000us unless your getting one that expires tomorrow :wink2:

I'll have to get back to you on mileage, it's still early to tell. Also, I have the ability to adjust the gas flow, therefore adjust my mileage/power ratio...

The major attraction here is that Petrol is approx. $5.75us/gal. and Butane mix can be had for $2.35/gal. So, the motivation is strong. I guess it really depends on how much you could get the fuel in your area, that would be a strong factor...

I know that I will lose a bit of my mileage, but how much remains to be seen. Either way, it's too much of a price gap to pass up, I will still get my money back in less than 6 months. And I really haven't noticed a great deal of power loss, and I have been driving with the ac on almost constantly.:flame:

Yeah, that's one of the biggest things in the States, regulation drives prices. I got my entire system (tank, control unit, and installation) for less than $1000us. The system itself was provided and installed for $600us, 105L tank $320us.

Anyway, like I said, it may take a few weeks to get a good calc on the mileage. I'm pretty sure the first tank will be a wash while I make adjustments to the mixture and find the 'sweet' spot. Then, I will have to run another tank to get an accurate guesstimate... But since I am now running, essentially, a 25-26gal tank (they only fill to approx. 95%), I will get a min 325+ miles per tank, which on petrol I would fill at approx. 13-14gal (because our gauges are horrible) which is about 240 miles for me.

Which is another bonus, I don't have to stop so often for fuel....:guitar2:

 

[Kmvreter]

Ok, the update...

... It is actually a Propane/Butane mix ...

So here's the tank...

...

Nice conversion option but I have to ask: is the fill port on the tank (right side, red) or external?
Have to agree with Singtoe. There is a reason why there are regulations on the method of installation, especially for an interior tank. Propane/butane is heavier than air and will sink to the low spot in a vehicle.

 

[MyHigh]

Honestly I would not worry one bit about "if it were to leak", the flammable range of both propane and butane are very narrow. Both are about 1.8-10 percent mixture, anything below or above and it won't go bang, anything in between that 8% and it will go bang!


It's like gasoline you can drop a lit match in a bucket and it will land in the gasoline and die, just like water. What's more flammable? A full can of gas or a half can of gas? The vapor is more dangerous then. The fluid.

Yes their is a chance that your tank can explode, but it's very unlikely, there has to be the right amout in the air, the air has to be the right temperature, and the ignition source has to be hot enough. Those contraptions on the tanks, for when there is a leak is once again just a safety concern, we as a populous are fear mongers and if one story leaks ( pun intended) then we all go running around like or hair is on fire and they'd be out of business.

That being said, would I go around and test these theories?

HELL NO!!! I know just enough science to get me in trouble, and it's not enough to make me feel safe. :nerd:

 

[drdolittlerwc]

Those contraptions on the tanks, for when there is a leak is once again just a safety concern, we as a populous are fear mongers and if one story leaks ( pun intended) then we all go running around like or hair is on fire and they'd be out of business.

LOL!! Literally!! :rofl:

 

[drdolittlerwc]

UPDATE!

Explosion?! Though some on this planet would smile over such an outcome, I am here to continue this thread, even if no one cares to read it... :dizzy:

Vehicle Power: When I first drove it away from the "shop", I did not notice any loss in power, though, my mileage was about 11-12mpg. So I made a slight adjustment to the mixture and my mileage crept up to 13mpg average. The only time I feel a slight difference in the power is with the AC on and I'm in 5th gear at about 60-70mph, so no real loss. Though, as soon as I try to get more than 14mpg average, my power tanks! I get about 14mpg highway.

Fuel: I have a 26 usable gal tank, and so I get about 330 miles from a full tank. I know that some can get close to that on Petrol, but here's the difference.

Petrol: $0.34us/mile (Belize price @ approx. 17mpg ave.)
Butane: $0.18us/mile (Belize price @ approx. 13mpg ave.)
Petrol: $0.22us/mile (US price based on ave $3.75/gal Approx SF area price)

So however you look at it, my bill is cut in half! About the 17mpg, I did get 20mpg while driving here, but that was ALL Highway with cruise control in 5th gear at about 70. I am very skeptical of those who say they get 20+mpg as an AVERAGE.

Anyway, just thought I would give you an update. I am very happy with my decision and installation, and we are still in one piece. NO LEAKS!

:lookout:

 

[98OzarksRunner]

Good deal. Sounds like you made a good decision that'll save you quite a bit of money in the long run.